Major action after fire in Rajkot play area, suspension of police officers and officials

Tragedy in Rajkot gambling zone revealed serious failings

New Delhi:

Five officials have been suspended for “gross negligence” after a massive fire at a gambling zone in Gujarat killed 28 people, officials said.

The officials – two police inspectors and three city officials – were suspended “due to their gross negligence in allowing the operation of this gaming zone without the necessary permits,” it said.

Saturday night’s tragedy revealed serious deficiencies at the TRP gaming zone in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was learnt that the entertainment centre was operating without a fire safety clearance certificate (NOC) and had only one exit.

The fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, but officials said the exact cause would be determined only after an investigation.

This sweeping government action came a day after Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the accident site and directed the authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the horrific incident.

Those suspended include Assistant Engineer Jaideep Chaudhary of the Town Planning Department of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Assistant Town Planner RMC Gautam Joshi, Assistant Executive Engineer MR Suma of the Rajkot Roads and Buildings Department and Police Inspectors VR Patel and NI Rathod.

The owner and manager of the TRP Wild Area were detained for questioning.

Rajkot Mayor Nayna Pedhadiya had earlier confirmed that there was no fire NOC. “We will investigate how such a big game reserve could function without a fire NOC and we are witnessing the consequences of it. There will be no political discussions on this matter,” assured Ms Pedhadiya.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the fire tragedy had been asked to submit the report as soon as possible.